Self-reflection

I believe the busy activities of the day should be suspended every once in a while to make some room for deep introspection.

 Every few days/weeks depending on an individual some time should be set aside to think objectively about the life we are leading, things we are doing, people we are interacting with, and are we satisfied with the way our life is going.

I believe the main goal behind our economic life is to be happy, whether we realise it consciously or not. If not that then what else? Why else would one strive and work hard if not for the belief that somewhere down the line if will give him/her more happiness, may that be in the form of wealth, recognition or fame. But I would argue that goal should be to lead not just a happy life but a happy AND a meaningful life. Now there is not set of rules for this. Definitions for the above would be as unique as each and every individual is. But it is very important to realise what those definition are and to work for that outcome.

After all what does one need to lead a meaningful, contended life? A house to live in, clothes to protect you from elements of weather, food that provides nutrition, some meaningful employment that provides one with a sense of identity and self-worth and some meaningful relationships may that be with friends or family. All else I believe is secondary, and moving beyond the goals would provide increasingly diminishing returns.  

Often it is the absence of negatives that lead to a positive outcome. Furthermore, often less is more. The less hankering one has towards the outwardly activities the more contended he/she will be. I have often observed the desire to be liked by all as a very common catalyst for much of the misery. Another one can be jealousy/envy, the least enjoyable of the seven sins.

Reflections on these things can help to set the compass of life on the set path again, make one realise the futility of some of his actions and guide his life towards much more meaningful conclusion.

After all haven’t all great religions and many great philosophers have extolled virtues of self-reflection?